Interim Head of Finance

Interim Head of Finance

Full-Time 72000 - 72000 £ / year (est.) No home office possible
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At a Glance

  • Tasks: Lead finance strategy and ensure robust financial management in a dynamic organisation.
  • Company: Exciting organisation in North Allerton with a focus on transformation.
  • Benefits: Competitive salary, potential for permanent role, and professional development opportunities.
  • Other info: Engagement term of 6 months with excellent career growth potential.
  • Why this job: Make a real impact in finance while shaping the future of the organisation.
  • Qualifications: Fully qualified accountant with strong leadership and technical accounting skills.

The predicted salary is between 72000 - 72000 £ per year.

We have a very exciting interim opportunity to join a fantastic organisation based in North Allerton.

Purpose of the role: To provide strategic and operational leadership of the finance function, ensuring robust financial management, compliance, and transformation as the organisation evolves post-devolution.

Key Priorities:

  • Lead production of quarterly budgetary reports and treasury management updates for Leadership and Audit Committee.
  • Manage the year-end audit for 2025/26.
  • Lead development of the budgeting process for 2026/27.
  • Support the transition from Xero to Oracle as the CA's general ledger and financial management system.

Key Responsibilities:

  • Provide expert financial advice, planning, and reporting across the CA.
  • Lead financial strategy, performance management, and compliance with regulatory standards.
  • Oversee service-level agreements for finance-related services and support the development of a unified internal finance function.
  • Deputise for the Assistant Director of Finance and Director of Resources as required.
  • Drive continuous improvement in financial systems, processes, and reporting.

Essential Skills & Experience:

  • Fully qualified accountant (CCAB or equivalent) with substantial post-qualification experience.
  • Proven leadership in senior finance roles, ideally within the public sector or a complex organisation.
  • Strong technical accounting knowledge, including year-end accounts and audit preparation.
  • Experience with budgeting cycles, financial strategy, and stakeholder engagement.
  • Familiarity with financial systems transformation and implementation (Oracle experience desirable).
  • Excellent communication skills and ability to influence at senior levels, including elected members.

Desirable:

  • Experience in local government or combined authority settings.
  • Knowledge of CIPFA codes and public sector financial regulations.
  • Change management and business integration experience.

Engagement Term: 6 months, with opportunity to apply for a permanent role when advertised. Monday to Friday 8.30am - 5pm. Annual Salary - £72k.

Interim Head of Finance employer: Baker Harding Limited

Join a dynamic organisation in North Allerton that values strategic leadership and innovation within the finance sector. As an employer, we offer a supportive work culture that prioritises employee growth through continuous improvement initiatives and opportunities for permanent roles. Our commitment to robust financial management and compliance ensures that you will play a pivotal role in shaping the future of our organisation while enjoying a collaborative environment.
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Contact Detail:

Baker Harding Limited Recruiting Team

StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫

We think this is how you could land Interim Head of Finance

✨Tip Number 1

Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the finance sector, especially those who have experience in public organisations. A friendly chat can lead to insider info about opportunities that might not even be advertised yet.

✨Tip Number 2

Prepare for interviews by researching the organisation thoroughly. Understand their financial challenges and think about how your skills can help them navigate these. We want you to show that you’re not just a fit for the role, but also passionate about their mission.

✨Tip Number 3

Practice your pitch! You’ll want to clearly articulate your experience with budgeting cycles and financial strategy. We suggest rehearsing answers to common interview questions so you can confidently showcase your expertise.

✨Tip Number 4

Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen. Plus, we love seeing candidates who are proactive about their job search!

We think you need these skills to ace Interim Head of Finance

Financial Management
Budgeting
Treasury Management
Year-End Audit Preparation
Financial Reporting
Stakeholder Engagement
Leadership
Technical Accounting Knowledge
Financial Systems Transformation
Oracle
Communication Skills
Change Management
Compliance with Regulatory Standards
Continuous Improvement

Some tips for your application 🫡

Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV speaks directly to the job description. Highlight your experience in financial management and leadership roles, especially in public sector settings. We want to see how your skills align with our needs!

Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to explain why you're the perfect fit for the Interim Head of Finance role. Share specific examples of your achievements in budgeting and financial strategy that relate to what we’re looking for.

Showcase Your Technical Skills: Don’t forget to mention your technical accounting knowledge and any experience with financial systems like Oracle. We’re keen on candidates who can hit the ground running, so let us know how you’ve tackled similar challenges before!

Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply through our website for a smoother application process. It’s the best way for us to keep track of your application and ensure it gets the attention it deserves!

How to prepare for a job interview at Baker Harding Limited

✨Know Your Numbers

As an Interim Head of Finance, you’ll need to demonstrate your financial acumen. Brush up on key financial metrics and be ready to discuss how you've managed budgets and audits in the past. Prepare specific examples that showcase your expertise in financial strategy and compliance.

✨Showcase Leadership Skills

This role requires strong leadership, so think about times when you've led a team or project. Be prepared to share how you’ve influenced stakeholders and driven change within an organisation. Highlight your experience in managing finance functions and how you can bring that to the table.

✨Familiarise with Financial Systems

Since the role involves transitioning from Xero to Oracle, it’s crucial to show your understanding of financial systems. If you have experience with Oracle, mention it! If not, do some research on its functionalities and be ready to discuss how you would approach this transition.

✨Prepare for Scenario Questions

Expect scenario-based questions that assess your problem-solving skills in finance. Think about challenges you've faced in budgeting cycles or audit preparations and how you overcame them. This will help demonstrate your ability to handle the complexities of the role effectively.

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